Meet The Maze Runner Author James Dashner

If you're couldn't put down The Hunger Games and are yearning for another nail-biting, must-read - then CG highly recommends the Maze Runner trilogy by James Dashner. The story follows a boy named Thomas in a strange, dark maze with new boys arriving every day - until a girl mysteriously arrives. We don't want to give it away for those of you that haven't read it but book two - The Scorch Trials - is out now and we are dying for the release of book three. If you're still not sold, check out this catch up with the author himself!

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Cosmogirl: How did you get the idea for this series?

James Dashner: This story came pouring in one night when I was trying to go to bed, and the inspiration came from two books that I had read and loved when younger. Lord of the Flies by William Golding and Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card.

CG: Which character do you relate to the most?

JD: That's definitely Thomas. You can't help but pour your heart and soul into the main character, and he basically becomes you. At least in how he thinks and sees the world. But he also does things, brave things, that I can only hope I would do.

CG: What can you tell our readers about The Scorch Trials?

JD: It begins just a few hours after the first book ends, and I think it will go a direction that you won't expect. And even though it's a very direct sequel, I think the second chapter of this trilogy is very different from the first one. You'll see how harsh and brutal the real world is.

CG: What inspired you to write and create the world in these books?

JD: I'm inspired by almost everything I come across in life, and one way or another they find themselves sneaking into my stories. When I'm feeling a little empty in the head, I like to go see movies or read to loosen things up there.

CG: When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

JD: Since the day I fell in love with Judy Blume books in elementary school. I think Judy Blume, Stephen King, and Dean Koontz are the three authors responsible for my being where I am today. I owe them a lot.

CG: What is your advice for other aspiring writers?

JD: To practice-write each and every day if possible-then try to attend professional writer's conferences where you can learn your craft, get to know fellow writers, and meet editors and agents.

Do you have aspirations to write? Tell us about it in the comments section below!